Colombia has, in recent years, become one of Latin America’s hottest new destinations and with very good reason. Its people are so incredibly welcoming, it has everything from the Amazon rainforest to wild rugged coastline overlooking the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, gorgeous colonial towns, some of the best coffee in the world, and a whole host of fascinating colonial and archaeological treasures to explore.
With the welcome news that the country’s airline has managed to secure landing slots at airports in the UK, this fascinating and colourful country is even more accessible than ever if you are looking for the perfect luxury holiday to Colombia.
Colombia’s airline announced just recently that they are commencing a direct service to Bogotá from Heathrow four times per week starting in July 2014, the first time there has been a direct air link to Colombia from the UK in 13 years, making it a great destination to consider for a bespoke holiday to South America.
With a rich pre-Colombian history, as well as a strong music and arts culture, start your journey in Bogotá, discovering the incredible array of gold and other artefacts at the Gold Museum, dining by candlelight overlooking the city at Monserrate, perhaps trying a private aguardiente and rum tasting with a professional sommelier, or admiring the iconic sculptures and paintings of Fernando Botero at a museum in the city’s colonial district, Candelaria.
There is now an excellent selection of chic boutique hotels as your perfect base in the city. Wind your way through the Andean hills to the pretty little colonial town of Villa de Leyva with its charming market, popular among Bogotanos for the perfect wedding at weekends, and buzzing with live music and horse-drawn carts. Or, head a little lower down into the lush green Coffee Triangle, discovering the wonderful flora and fauna such as orchids and butterflies, and of course sipping a freshly brewed coffee at a plantation. You can stay in charming traditional haciendas and posadas surrounded by delightful flower-filled gardens and fountains.
Descending from the high Andean plains with its spring-like climate to the balmy tropical shores of the Caribbean Sea brings you to the sublime Tayrona National Park, where you can stay in unique round thatched cottages that overlook the blue ocean, swinging gently in the hammock on your private terrace.
Hike along deserted beaches or through pristine rainforest to discover some of the remains of the ancient Tayrona civilisation at Pueblito or the Lost City. If you want to get right off the beaten track and explore some of the indigenous heritage of Colombia such as the Wayuu culture, head to La Guajira which now has a lovely comfortable base from which to explore its local villages and lagoons that are havens for pink ibis and flamingos.
Finish your journey in the beautiful old colonial walled city of Cartagena de Indias, enjoying delicious seafood and refreshing limonada de coco whilst luxuriating in the heat of the tropics from the rooftop terrace of your boutique hotel. Stroll its cobbled streets, explore its markets with a local chef, and enjoy the beat of local music such as cumbia at a beautiful sunset bar overlooking the sea. You could even spend a final few days at your own private house out in the Rosarios Islands, perfect for snorkelling and diving, or at a gorgeous little barefoot chic hideaway just a short drive along the coast for some final luxuriant R&R before flying home.
If you are looking for something a little different but don’t want to sacrifice your comforts, Colombia is the perfect place for a perfect bespoke luxury holiday.
Nicola Shepherd
